Flight attendants share their favorite travel gear

Given how many miles they log in the air day after day, flight attendants are the undisputed experts when it comes to travel gear expertise. So we listen to them as they share their favorite products for a day in the life of work.

But we’re just as interested in knowing what keeps them going when they are no at work, rather traveling off-duty between flights with the rest of the civilians. Here, flight attendants have shared their must-haves for off-duty travel Travel + free time, including everything from a genius big bag to tech must-haves to beach sandals and more. Conveniently, these flight attendant favorites are available on Amazon right now and come with fast, free shipping so you can stock up like a pro before your next trip.

Aloha Tote Collection

“This company was actually started by a flight attendant,” notes Southern California-based flight attendant Hannah Bickert—so you know it’s smartly designed. “The super cute waterproof bags and totes are incredibly packable and designed to fit your wet swimsuit, so you can take one last dip in the pool or a quick surf before your flight and not have to wait for it to dry,” she says , calling are great for poolside phones or electronics you don’t want to risk getting wet. “They’re also durable and washable!” Each features an interior zippered pocket for organization plus an exterior zippered pocket for small items. And they come in a range of 24 models.

TKEES Women’s Serena Slide Sandal

These simple flat sandals are super streamlined and lightweight (perfect for carrying in a large bag), with a stylish look that goes with everything. The black slider features five parallel bands that form a single strap that encircles the base of the toes. “Packing light is my forte, so I love a basic slide that can be for a walk around town, brunch, or dressing up for a night out,” Bickert says—and this versatile, compact slide is her top pick.

Boodlab sleep headphones

Taylor Swift may think jet lag is a choice. But most mere mortals — even flight attendants — experience it and find ways to combat it, whether they’re working or traveling off-duty. “Being a flight attendant means crazy hours and sometimes serious jet lag,” says San Francisco-based flight attendant TJ Kizuka. So when I’m not at work, he says, “I put on my Bluetooth sleep mask and listen to the sounds of the ocean to get some much-needed relaxation.”

Amazon Echo Show 5

“Traveling around the world has its perks – flight attendants have lots of stories to tell and even more photos to share,” says Kizuka. “I love my Amazon Echo because not only can I check on my apartment when I’m away, [but] I can also share photos of my latest adventures when I’m at home.” The latest Echo model, this one has deeper bass and better voice clarity, an extra microphone for faster Alexa response, more fast processor and better screen for night viewing.

Elefor massage gun

“Living in a flight attendant household is a popular thing to have on hand,” says Kizuka. “Pushing heavy beverage carts and traversing airports with heavy luggage can take a toll on your body, and this massage gun helps with those flight attendant aches and pains.” This affordable massage gun has 10 different massage heads and a powerful motor that can deliver up to 3,200 strokes per minute, and at 8 inches long and weighing 1.8 pounds, it can be packed away to work out the kinks that travel invariably brings, whether on or off duty.

Owala FreeSip stainless steel water bottle

A reusable water bottle is a must-have for travel – not to mention everyday use – to keep you both hydrated and resilient. This one comes in 22 color combinations, which Bickert calls “darling,” and she loves that it has both a straw for sipping and an opening for sipping on the go.

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

Air dehydration is a major concern for flight attendants, whether they travel on the clock or off-duty. And this leave-in lip mask works while you sleep to eliminate friction and maximize hydration. The formula includes vitamin C, an antioxidant-rich berry complex, plus coconut oil, shea butter and murumuru seed oil for great hydration. “Replenishing moisture is my No. 1 beauty goal in heaven, and this sleeping mask is a favorite,” Bickert says. “Waking up with hydrated lips is a luxury.”

Coslus Electric Facial Scrubber

“You’d be surprised how a pressurized airplane cabin can wreak havoc on your skin,” says Kizuka. To keep mine looking fresh and blemish-free when I’m not at work, I use my battery-powered facial cleansing brush to exfoliate and give my skin some extra TLC.” This popular version has more than 10,000 reviews on Amazon and comes with seven brush heads for thorough cleansing and exfoliation.

Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray

Bickert swears by this fan-favorite hair product for effortlessly styling her look on off-the-job trips (and work trips, too). “This dry shampoo and texture spray is essential for a midday refresh,” she says. The formula is invisible, and at 2.2 ounces, the travel-sized version easily clears TSA restrictions.

Lume Acidified Deodorant Wipes (Pack of 3)

Traveling can be stressful and unpleasant, but these deodorant wipes help to forgive a lot: they are clinically proven to control body odor for 24 hours. And, developed by a gynecologist, they are aluminum-free, hypoallergenic and safe for any odor-prone areas. “Throw them in your bag and you can seamlessly transition from a busy flight to the summer heat and to dinner or a night out without missing a beat,” Bickert says. This rich set comes with three packs of 45 wipes.

Touchland Glow Mist Hand Sanitizer

Bickert explains that all flight attendants have hand sanitizer in their aprons to ward off germs while they’re on the job — and they stay stocked for off-duty trips as well. Bickert says there’s “no going back” after trying this improved version of a compact hand sanitizer that both “disinfects and revitalizes” in heavenly scents.

St.Tropez Gradual Tan Tightening Lotion

Bickert says this lotion keeps her glowing look “vibrant and healthy in the most natural way.” Plus, it smells great and feels good: “I love anything with astringent properties at this stage of life,” she says as an on-the-go mom of three young children. To use, apply daily or as desired in place of a regular body moisturizer. (Just remember to wash your hands after use.)

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